Heartbreak, deceased’s estate dispute led to Helidon farmer’s ice use

A court was told when a Helidon farmer’s parents died, he fell into the grips of a drug addiction, which was compounded when he lost the farm during a family dispute.

Russell John Littleton leaving the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.

A former Darling Downs farmer landed himself in court after police executed a warrant at his Helidon home.

The Toowoomba Magistrates Court heard the drug raid occurred at Russell John Littleton’s home on June 5, and uncovered amphetamines and cannabis.

Police also found the following items which were used for the purpose of drug use; a pipe, scales, and a straw.

Following the raid, the 51-year-old failed to follow police officers directions on two occasions and was caught driving with meth in his saliva at Redwood, along Toowoomba Connection Rd.

Russell John Littleton leaving the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.

The court heard Littleton had no like drug offending on his limited criminal history.

Solicitor Chris Neville said the “catalyst” of Littleton’s offending was the passing of his parents in 2019 – however Magistrate Kay Philipson noted he was also caught drug driving in 2018.

Mr Neville said a dispute between Littleton and his sister resulted in him losing the ability to farm, which he had worked on for more than 20 years.

However, he noted Littleton was a contributing member of society and was now a fencing contractor after he finished up working as a delivery driver for Camel Tanks at Dalby.

Ms Philipson said Littleton was clearly on the Queensland Police Service’s radar, as the magistrate who signed the search warrant would have needed convening to do so.

At court on Tuesday, October 17, Littleton pleaded guilty to possessing dangerous drugs, possessing drug utensils, contravening the direction of police, and drug driving and was sentenced to a 12 month probation order.

Ms Philipson said the order would include drug testing and support, to assist Littleton’s rehabilitation.

His licence was suspended for three months, and no conviction was recorded.